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Correspondence (1716–1725)
Eastern Patriarchs and the Nonjurors, ed. Williams, 1868
13. No. 13: The Nonjurors to the Metropolitan of Thebais
To the most Reverend and Holy Lord the Lord ARSENIUS the most illustrious Metropolitan of Thebais, the Bishops of the Catholick Church of Britain wish all Prosperity and Happiness in Christ.
Your Letter, most eminent Prelate, full of all Love and Affection dated at Mosco we have received with all Joy and Thankfulness, chiefly delighted that so earnest a Desire of Peace and Concord fills your Heart as that we may assuredly expect everything in your Power to procure it. You have done us the greatest Kindness in delivering our Letter to the most eminent Lord, the Lord Great Chancellor, to whom we are also exceedingly oblidged that of His Goodness he has promised us his favour. Nor are we less oblidged to you for your Purpose to recommend our Letter and our Cause to the Protection of his Imperial Majesty, and to incline the heart of that Great Emperor to be favourable to us. We assure you that we are not discouraged by the Distance of place or any other Obstacle which may seem to obstruct an Union betwixt us. But with most earnest and sincere Desires hope for an Agreement, to obtain which we shall leave nothing undone that may be done with a good Conscience.
The Archimandrite Gennadius, a Man worthy of all commendation, is most dear to us: and we are very sorry that the strait Circumstances under which we labour have hindered us from giving him greater Testimonies of our Friendship. To your Labours the most Holy Patriarchs have added Gifts, and of their great good Will have presented us with excellent Books, which Kindness of theirs we shall always gratefully acknowledge.
We earnestly desire you to salute the Reverend Protosyncellus in our Names; His Works and Labours of Love are, and always shall be, written in our Hearts. But you, most Reverend, go on to perfect these your Offices of Love. Send our Answers to the most Holy Patriarchs, and believe us to be exceedingly indebted to you for this. May you live prosperously and enjoy your Health, may the most gracious God prosper your Undertaking, and grant you a long continuance here for his Church’s Sake.
These Things, most dear Brother, have we written to you at present. The rest of our Collegues have not subscribed their Names with us, being at a great Distance in the Country. Yet in this, as in all other Matters, they agree with us, that they have a most high esteem for you.
JEREMIAS Angliæ Episcopus.
ARCHIBALDUS Scotiæ Episcopus.
Dated London Jan. 28, 172²⁄₃.